ABC World News Tonight viewers expressed frustration with President Donald Trump yet again.
The program’s regular anchor, David Muir, 52, had taken his scheduled weekly break, leaving Linsey Davis to fill in, and breaking news emerged shortly after the broadcast began.
“Good evening, everyone. Thanks so much for joining us on this Sunday. I’m Linsey Davis. We begin tonight with a region on edge and a conflict that is now reaching farther and hitting closer to home,” Linsey announced as she opened the show. “For the first time, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have struck Saudi Arabia’s capital, bringing the war to the heart of one of the world’s most important energy hubs.”
“Large plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing from fuel storage tanks near the city’s airport. The rebels also hit energy sites with drones and ballistic missiles.
“The assault comes as Americans are already feeling it at the pump. Gas prices are surging. Diesel has reached an all-time high, and across the Atlantic, Europe is feeling the pressure too,” the presenter continued.
Linsey Davis filled in for David Muir (Image: ABC)
“With Saudi Arabia telling customers that crude oil deliveries scheduled for next month are now canceled, and Iran is warning its neighbors against aligning with the U.S.
“President Trump says he must decide whether to quote ‘blow the entire nation up.’ The State Department is warning Americans to reconsider traveling to the Middle East. ABC’s Stephen Portnoy leads us off,” Linsey concluded.
Stephen then launched into his report, providing viewers with additional context. “Tonight, new signs of tension in the Middle East: ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels striking Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh.
“Thick smoke is seen rising near the airport. The Houthis are targeting oil facilities in a key port along the coast, further disrupting Saudi oil production. The attacks on fuel sites come as Americans back home grapple with skyrocketing gas prices. Diesel at an all-time high. A gallon of gas now averages 4.48, according to AAA, up 17 cents over the past week.”
Linsey Davis informed viewers on the latest (Image: ABC)
Stephen then revealed, “The president now telling Fox News he’s in a deciding mode about Iran, saying, Quote: ‘My question is, if and when do I blow the entire nation up? Adding, ‘They better behave.'”.
“With 44 days until the midterms and some Americans already voting, the president is shifting focus to this, his triumphal arch. Trump announced he’ll turn the planned 25-story structure at the foot of Arlington Cemetery into a top-grade military complex on its roof, a base for drones and snipers.
“The FAA says what would be the world’s tallest triumphal arch needs to have an eternal flame on top to warn nearby pilots. The arch, the latest construction project around D.C. that Trump is personally involved with.
“From his White House ballroom to the trouble-plagued reflecting pool, to the planned renovation of the Kennedy Center, hundreds demonstrating outside that iconic arts facility Friday on fears the president might demolish it if he loses a court battle over putting his name on its side.
“A month and a half before the midterms, a Reuters Ipsos poll shows 19 percent of voters say the renovation of D.C. monuments should be a high priority for the present, with all that’s weighing on their minds and their wallets.
“Two-thirds in the poll say the project should be a low priority for Trump, or not a priority at all,” Stephen’s post concluded.
Viewers quickly responded to the story, with one user criticizing, “We don’t need an ‘arch’. We need a real President,” prompting another to comment, “OMG! What a freaking mess.
“Thanks trump. And Bibi,” blasted a third user, while someone else added, “They’re playing chess but they’re on the same team. Against us and our wallets.”